My Colors. My Mind.
Celebrate the colors of your life and join our innovative multifaceted initiative that includes art therapy classes and a countywide mass media campaign to reduce the stigma of behavioral health conditions.
Our goals are to increase social inclusion, decrease discrimination and increase treatment-seeking among individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges.
Even though one in five Americans will experience behavioral health conditions in a given year, stigma in our society is still common. Stigma of behavioral health disorders involves negative stereotypes, discrimination, prejudice, and poor treatment – which often leads to shame, suffering, self-blame, and poor self esteem – and is a major barrier to access behavioral healthcare for those subject to stigmatization.
Art Classes For Everyone
Art has the power to heal, inspire, provoke, challenge and support mental health.
Creating art enables us to share our culture and our identity. It can help us better understand our emotions – like a mirror, reflecting back what we have created.
The Council on Aging – Southern California in partnership with the OC Health Care Agency is offering a variety of no-cost creative art therapy classes across Orange County. We want to encourage self-expression, self-discovery, and emotional growth in a non-judgmental atmosphere.
Through this creative process, we hope that community members can explore emotions, reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-esteem, and build awareness to reduce stigma surrounding overall mental health.
Creative Art Therapy Class Schedule Spring/Summer 2024
Creative Art Therapy Classes on YouTube
Healing With Art
Creative art therapy can be very valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and even some phobias.
It is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings and find relief. Benefits include:
Creative Art Therapy Testimonials
Patricia, age 76 – “At first I was hesitant to participate in this art class because I’m not a crafty person. But I am so happy I took this big step. This class has been a fun way for me to express myself thru art. When I’m painting, I only think about each stroke. It is a form of therapy for me. I love sharing these paintings with my grandchildren.”
James, age 60 – “My days would have been very dull and long due to the stay-at-home order, but thanks to this virtual art class, days go by quickly and I get to spend time creating art that is meaningful to me and that lift up my spirit during what would have been a difficult time.”
Bào, age 72 – “This activity has helped ease my anxiety and is a nice break from watching the news or doing house chores. My house is full of paintings because of this class and I hope to add more to my collection”.
Mi Sun, age 67 – “Through this art class, I have learned about the beauty of art and my painting skills have improved so much. I have found a new hobby and have something to look forward to during this pandemic. While I paint, I feel tranquil and at peace.”
Public Transit Campaign
The “My Colors. My Mind.” Stigma Reduction Campaign showcases the artwork of local older adults who have participated in our creative art therapy classes. The multicultural campaign is featured on buses and in bus shelters across Orange County. It is designed to shift the broader public, social, and structural perception about behavioral health conditions.
“My Colors. My Mind.” celebrates the unique talent of each artist. It embraces their vision, their experiences, and their story telling through art. The campaign aspires to remind us to take care of own behavioral health, to normalize behavioral health conversations, and to treat others with respect, dignity, and compassion.
Tips to Reduce Stigma & Discrimination
Know the Facts*
Talk Openly About Them
Challenge Myths & Stereotypes
Examine Your Own Judgment, Behaviors, and Language
Encourage Mental Health Care
Treat Everyone with Dignity, Respect, Compassion, Acceptance, and Inclusiveness
Resources
Know the Facts*
Below is a list of resources for more information about mental health.
- Each Mind Matters: https://www.eachmindmatters.org/
- Mental Health Myths & Facts: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-myths-facts
- Mental Disorders: https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders
- Mental Health of Older Adults: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-of-older-adults
- Mental Health by the Numbers: https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbers
- Mental Health Statistics: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/02/5-surprising-mental-health-statistics/
- Learn About Mental Health: https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm
- Stigma Free OC: https://www.stigmafreeoc.com/